Daily Devotion

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January 10
Etch A Sketch Forgiveness
Bible in a Year:

• Genesis 25–26
• Matthew 8:1–17

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 103:7–13
The little red rectangular box was magical. As a kid, I could play with it for hours. When I turned one knob on the box, I could create a horizontal line on its screen. Turn the other knob and voila—a vertical line. When I turned the knobs together, I could make diagonal lines, circles, and creative designs. But the real magic came when I turned my Etch A Sketch toy upside down, shook it a little and turned it right side up. A blank screen appeared, offering me the opportunity to create a new design.
God’s forgiveness works much like that Etch A Sketch. He wipes away our sins, creating a clean canvas for us. Even if we remember wrongs we committed, God chooses to forgive and forget. He’s wiped them out and doesn’t hold our sins against us. He doesn’t treat us according to our sinful actions (Psalm 103:10) but extends grace through forgiveness. We have a clean slate—a new life awaiting us when we seek God’s forgiveness. We can be rid of guilt and shame because of His amazing gift to us.
The psalmist reminds us that our sins have been separated from us as far as the east is separated from the west (v. 12). That’s as far away as you can get! In God’s eyes, our sins no longer cling to us like a scarlet letter or a bad drawing. That’s reason to rejoice and to thank God for His amazing grace and mercy.
By: Katara Patton
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Reflect & Pray
Why do you think God chooses to not treat you as your actions might deserve? How can you thank Him for separating your sins from you?
Loving God, thank You for forgiveness. Remind me that You no longer remember my sins.

 

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WORSHIPING WITH MY WHOLE LIFE
January 10, 2022
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1
Imagine tv producers come to you and want to make a reality show about your life.

If you agree to their offer, a camera crew will follow you around 24 hours a day/seven days a week, filming every detail of your daily existence for six months.

Here’s my question:

As the world watches your life unfold on the screen, would it be clear that you are a worshiper of Jesus?

To say it another way, take a look at the totality of your everyday life:

…your actions

…your reactions

…your attitudes

…how you handle stress

…how you manage your finances

…your work ethic on the job

…your hobbies

…your interactions with your family, etc…

Would non-believers conclude that your life is distinctly different from theirs because you worship Jesus as Lord?

Worship, after all, is not just an activity that only takes place on Sundays. We worship by the way we live throughout the week.

In theory, this sounds great.

But practically speaking, what does it really look like to worship Jesus in everyday life?

Perhaps Christians in Rome struggled with this same issue.

In today’s Scripture reference (one of the most renowned verses in the entire New Testament), the Apostle Paul helps us understand how worship becomes not just an event we attend on Sunday, but an everyday reality.

Allow me to briefly dissect Paul’s words, knowing I’m only scratching the surface of the beautiful truth within.

“I urge you” – Notice the intensity of Paul’s tone. What he’s about to say is of the utmost importance.

“In view of God’s mercy”- We are to be ever mindful of the mercy we’ve received from the Lord. This helps us stay in a mindset of worship throughout the day. Mercy motivates us to do what Paul says next.

“Offer your bodies as living sacrifices”- From the time we get up, we seek to lay our lives down. We yield every aspect of our day to the Lord in continuous surrender. Though we are very much alive, we make a conscious choice to die to ourselves. He alone is worthy of such a sacrifice.

“Holy and pleasing to God”- Holiness means that our life is completely set apart to the Lord. No matter where we go, what we do, or when we do it, our life is not our own. We belong to Him. Seeking to live this way pleases the heart of God.

“Our spiritual act of worship”- The Greek word for ‘worship’ is better translated, ‘service.’ We should seek opportunities to serve the Lord throughout each day. Approaching everything we do as an act of service infuses even the most mundane task with purpose.

We all fall woefully short of living this out on a daily basis.

But today, I pray Paul’s words will run deep in our bones and course through our veins, transforming every square inch of our lives into an act of worship.

Remember, the cameras are rolling!

(Well, not really…but the world is watching.)


Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

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THE FINAL SIGN OF THE END TIMES
January 11, 2022
“And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”– Matthew 24: 14
Jesus did not come to Earth with religious denominations in mind.

Yet, today there are hundreds of denominations calling themselves Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, Pentecostals, Protestants, Roman Catholics, etc. Jesus came for the dawning of His Kingdom.

Denominations are to be viewed as only a small part of the greater mosaic of the kingdom of God.

It’s the Kingdom of God, this corporate community of believers, that is Christ’s primary focus. That should be the mission of any corporate body of believers – to take the Gospel to every nation, language and culture. This will be the final sign of the end times that Jesus speaks about as His second coming. Only then, will the end come.

Today, missiologists have identified over 11,000 people groups (similar language and culture) on the earth. Of those, there are over 7,000 people groups considered to be unreached (less than 2% believers). Of those 7,000+ unreached people groups, about 3,000 are completely unengaged with the Gospel. In other words, these people groups have no known church or Christians in their midst. But here’s some encouraging news: in the last 10 years, this “unreached and unengaged” category has decreased by about 800. That means that these people groups now have Christians and churches in their midst. This is the fastest decrease in unreached people groups in the history of the church. God is moving mightily in our world!

As Christians, we are all called to take part in this mission. Will you go to one of these regions with the Gospel? Will you give financially for others to go? Will you pray?

Ask God to show you how you can be a part of advancing the Kingdom of God as we look forward to His second coming.

Jesus is clear; He is not coming again until the Gospel reaches every people group on the earth.

 

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GOD WILL BE THERE, NO MATTER WHAT
January 13, 2022
“And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” – I Kings 19:3-4

The prophet Elijah was what I would call a man of miracles.

• When he prayed for the rain to stop, it did – for 3 1/2 years.
• When he prayed for a single mom’s dead son, the boy was brought back to life.
• When Elijah prayed for God to send down fire from heaven in a battle against the false prophets of the idol Baal, God answered.
• Elijah knew his time on earth was coming to an end, so when he & Elisha came to the Jordan River, Elijah took his robe, wrapped it together, struck the waters, and the river was divided, so both of them passed over on dry land.
• (Just to name a few…)

Elijah had first-hand experience of God’s power, so why was he so depressed and afraid?

Here’s a short backstory.

When Elijah defeated all the prophets of Baal by praying for God to rain down fire from Heaven and burn up their man made alter, Queen Jezebel was not happy. As a powerful advocate of the false god, Baal, she threatened Elijah by issuing a death warrant for him. Now remember, this man had been fearless in confronting the evil king (her husband) and hundreds of Baal’s prophets. Yet at Jezebel’s threat, Elijah became so overwhelmed by fear and depression that this great man of faith wanted to die.

After such courageous faith, how could this happen?

Well, Elijah was emotionally, spiritually, and physically spent. And when it comes to emotions, what goes up, must come down. Spiritual and emotional highs like the ones Elijah experienced are often followed by depression, doubt and fear.

So how did God respond?

1. God cared for Elijah by providing for his physical needs by bringing him food and water.
2. God cared for Elijah’s emotional needs by giving him time to rest.
3. Finally, God cared for Elijah’s spiritual needs by speaking to him in a “still, small voice.”.

Are you feeling let down, depressed or just plain exhausted today?

Just like Elijah, even in the midst of what may be the most fearful time of your life, God will be there to care for you.

 

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WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE A WATERED-DOWN GOSPEL?
January 16, 2022
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” Matthew 24:10-11
False Prophet: A person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God.

“Look out for false teachers and prophets (my paraphrase),” Jesus warned, because false prophets will only try to deceive people with their subtle manipulation of the truth.

False prophets are becoming more prominent in today’s age of tolerance and rebellion against God. This culture is eager for an easy religion – one that requires no effort and offers no consequences. This generation more than any other wants to live however they’d like, without boundaries or authority. Unfortunately, there are plenty of teachers and preachers eager to give the people what they want to hear—and usually, they end up making a large sum of money from it.

There have always been teachers who have tried to manipulate the Word of God. Prosperity theology preachers abound, while some others teach the Gospel of feel-good greed – both deceptive and false. Many mainline protestant preachers have stopped believing that the Bible is the perfectly true and inspired Word of God, sending their churches down a dead end road. Other Christians and spiritual leaders pick and choose what Scriptures they like, discarding the ones they don’t, thus watering down what the Bible says.

Would you recognize a watered-down Gospel if you heard it?

Commit to spending more time in God’s Word this week and ask Him for the wisdom to recognize false teachers – inside and outside the church.

We must stay alert in these end times.

 

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January 19
Stay Awake!
Bible in a Year:

• Genesis 46–48
• Matthew 13:1–30

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 26:36–46
A German bank employee was in the middle of transferring 62.40 euros from a customer’s bank account when he accidentally took a power nap at his desk. He dozed off while his finger was on the “2” key, resulting in a 222 million euro (300 million dollar) transfer into the customer’s account. The fallout from the mistake included the firing of the employee’s colleague who verified the transfer. Although the mistake was caught and corrected, because he hadn’t been watchful, the sleepy employee’s lapse almost became a nightmare for the bank.
Jesus warned His disciples that if they didn’t remain alert, they too would make a costly mistake. He took them to a place called Gethsemane to spend some time in prayer. As He prayed, Jesus experienced a grief and sadness such as He’d never known in His earthly life. He asked Peter, James, and John to stay awake to pray and “keep watch” with Him (Matthew 26:38), but they fell asleep (vv. 40–41). Their failure to watch and pray would leave them defenseless when the real temptation of denying Him came calling. In the hour of Christ’s greatest need, the disciples lacked spiritual vigilance.
May we heed Jesus’ words to remain spiritually awake by being more devoted to spending time with Him in prayer. As we do, He’ll strengthen us to resist all kinds of temptations and avoid the costly mistake of denying Jesus.
By: Marvin Williams
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Reflect & Pray
What part of your prayer life needs to be more devoted and disciplined? How can you intentionally spend more time alone with God this week?
Jesus, because I’ve been spiritually sleeping, I haven’t been praying. And because I haven’t been praying, I haven’t depended on You. I’m sorry. Please help me to spend more time with You.

 

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January 20
Love of Learning
Bible in a Year:

• Genesis 49–50
• Matthew 13:31–58

Let the wise listen and add to their learning.

Proverbs 1:5
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Proverbs 1:1–7
When asked how he became a journalist, a man shared the story of his mother’s dedication to his pursuit of education. While traveling on the subway each day, she collected newspapers left behind on seats and gave them to him. While he especially enjoyed reading about sports, the papers also introduced him to knowledge about the world, which ultimately opened his mind to a vast range of interests.
Children are wired with natural curiosity and a love for learning, so introducing them to the Scriptures at an early age is of great value. They become intrigued by God’s extraordinary promises and exciting stories of biblical heroes. As their knowledge deepens, they can begin to comprehend the consequences of sin, their need of repentance, and the joy found in trusting God. The first chapter of Proverbs, for instance, is a great introduction to the benefits of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–7). Nuggets of wisdom found here shine a light of understanding on real-life situations.
Developing a love of learning—especially about spiritual truths—helps us to grow stronger in our faith. And those who have walked in faith for decades can continue to pursue knowledge of God throughout their life. Proverbs 1:5 advises, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” God will never stop teaching us if we’re willing to open our heart and mind to His guidance and instruction.
By: Cindy Hess Kasper
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Reflect & Pray
What fresh truth of Scripture have you added to your knowledge recently? How can you continually pursue a deeper understanding of God’s truth?
Father, please continue to open my mind and heart to grow in knowledge and wisdom as I read from the Scriptures.
Grow deeper in your understanding of faith, visit https://odbu.org/courses/st101/?utm_source=JANUARY+20+ODB+&utm_medium=EMAIL+AND+APP&utm_campaign=ST101+Theology+Basic

 

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A GLIMPSE INTO HEAVEN
January 20, 2022
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:1-4
Years ago, the late Adrian Rogers, a well-known and beloved preacher, shared about an older, highly respected pastor. Known in his day as the “prince of preachers,” Adrian’s predecessor had been a man of such oratorical skills and spiritual anointing that his messages mesmerized listeners. As this older preacher neared the end of his life, he found himself going in and out of consciousness in a hospital bed. One day, with his daughter by his bedside, he suddenly looked up, wide-eyes and said,

“It is greater than I imagined. I never did it justice.”

And with that, he closed his eyes and died at peace.

Now think about it. Even this great man of God, an incredibly gifted and eloquent preacher, was at a loss for words when he reached that point of glimpsing heaven, just before stepping over to the other side of life.

Let this be a reminder to hold onto hope and not give up, as we journey through the highs and lows of faith with the Lord Jesus Christ by our side. No matter how tough life gets, when we get to our ultimate destination of heaven and finally see the Lord face to face, we too will exclaim: “I never knew how great He could be!” Because I can guarantee that there will be few words to adequately describe how incredible it will be to finally stand before the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

What about you? When you think about the end of your life – do you know where you will be? Like Adrian’s predecessor, will you arrive at that destination to experience the moment where words won’t be enough? I assure you, that for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, they will also experience that moment in heaven with Him. And that day is going to be so much greater than anything we could ever imagine.

You don’t want to miss it!

 

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January 21
Give While You Live
Bible in a Year:

• Exodus 1–3
• Matthew 14:1–21

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.

John 9:4
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 9:1–12
A successful businessman spent the last few decades of his life doing all he could to give away his fortune. A multibillionaire, he donated cash to a variety of causes such as bringing peace to Northern Ireland and modernizing Vietnam’s health care system; and not long before he died, he spent $350 million to turn New York City’s Roosevelt Island into a technology hub. The man said, “I believe strongly in giving while living. I see little reason to delay giving. . . . Besides, it’s a lot more fun to give while you live than to give while you’re dead.” Give while you live—what an amazing attitude to have.
In John’s account of the man born blind, Jesus’ disciples were trying to determine “who sinned” (9:2). Jesus briefly addressed their question by saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned . . . but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me” (vv. 3–4). Though our work is very different from Jesus’ miracles, no matter how we give of ourselves, we’re to do so with a ready and loving spirit. Whether through our time, resources, or actions, our goal is that the works of God might be displayed.
For God so loved the world that He gave. In turn, let’s give while we live.
By: John Blase
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Reflect & Pray
When it comes to giving, what’s one thing you’ve been delaying? What would it mean for you to give while you live?
Giving God, please show me places where I can give today.
Read Celebrating God’s Generosity.

 

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AND THEN ELIJAH PRAYED
January 23, 2022
‘Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. Now let them give us two oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselves and cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other ox and lay it on the wood, and I will not put a fire under it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people said, “That is a good idea.”’ – I Kings 18: 22-24
It all began when King Ahab turned his back on God and built a statue to Baal, the god of rain.

In a moment of true irony, that’s when the rain stopped. Three and a half years later the people began calling out both for rain and God. That’s when Elijah showed up for the ultimate showdown:

Elijah and the One True God vs 450 prophets of Baal.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal each built an altar and prepared a sacrifice.

It was to be a burnt offering, but there was just one catch – they had no fire.

Both sides would have to pray and ask their God or god to bring down fire. The prophets of Baal went first. They prayed, they chanted, and they called out – but nothing happened. Hours passed without a response. Elijah suggested they pray louder (maybe their gods had gone to sleep), but still, they had no answer.

Finally, it was Elijah’s turn.

Taking his time, Elijah built the altar and prepared the sacrifice, soaking the altar in water (a precious commodity after 3.5 years of drought). He did this just to make sure there would be no possible human explanation for what God would do.

Then Elijah prayed.

Immediately fire fell from the sky consuming not just the offering, but the stone altar and all the water. Talk about an incredible demonstration of God’s power!

Elijah trusted God even when it didn’t make sense.

What about you? When life becomes difficult or doesn’t make sense, will you will you turn to false idols of our day?

Or will you remain grounded in your faith?

 

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January 26
True Happiness
Bible in a Year:

• Exodus 14–15
• Matthew 17

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ecclesiastes 3:9–14
In the tenth century, Abd al-Rahman III was the ruler of Cordoba, Spain. After fifty years of successful reign (“beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies”), al-Rahman took a deeper look at his life. “Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call,” he said of his privileges. But when he counted how many days of genuine happiness he’d had during that time, they amounted to just fourteen. How sobering.
The writer of Ecclesiastes was also a man of riches and honor (Ecclesiastes 2:7–9), power and pleasure (1:12; 2:1–3). And his own life evaluation was equally sobering. Riches, he realized, just led to a desire for more (5:10–11), while pleasures accomplished little (2:1–2), and success could be due to chance as much as ability (9:11). But his assessment didn’t end as bleakly as al-Rahman’s. Believing God was his ultimate source of happiness, he saw that eating, working, and doing good could all be enjoyed when done with Him (2:25; 3:12–13).
“O man!” al-Rahman concluded his reflections, “place not thy confidence in this present world!” The writer of Ecclesiastes would agree. Since we’ve been made for eternity (3:11), earthly pleasures and achievements won’t satisfy by themselves. But with Him in our lives, genuine happiness is possible in our eating, working, and living.
By: Sheridan Voysey
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Reflect & Pray
What do you turn to most to find happiness? How can you eat, work, and do good with God today?
Heavenly Father, today I will do all things with You by my side.

 

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January 28
In God We Put Our Trust
Bible in a Year:

• Exodus 19–20
• Matthew 18:21–35

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 17:5–8
The baby wasn’t due for another six weeks, but the doctor had just diagnosed Whitney with cholestasis, a liver condition common in pregnancy. In a whirlwind of emotions, Whitney was taken to the hospital where she received treatment and was told her baby would be induced in twenty-four hours! In another part of the hospital, ventilators and other equipment needed for the onslaught of COVID-19 cases were being put into place. As a result, Whitney was sent home. She made the decision to trust God and His plans, and she delivered a healthy baby a few days later.
When Scripture takes root in us, it transforms the way we react in trying situations. Jeremiah lived in a time when most of society trusted in human alliances, and the worship of idols was prevalent. The prophet contrasts the person who “draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5) with the one who trusts in God. “Blessed is the one . . . whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that . . . does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green” (vv. 7–8).
As believers in Jesus, we’re called to live by faith as we look to Him for solutions. As He provides the strength, we can choose to fear or to trust Him. God says we’re blessed—fully satisfied—when we choose to place our trust in Him.
By: Regie Keller
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Reflect & Pray
When have you felt worried or afraid and then were reminded of God’s promise to bless those who trust Him? How has the realization that you can trust God in all circumstances brought you relief?
Dear God, thank You that I can trust You in all situations and come to You in prayer. You’re right there in the midst of my struggles, and You give me strength.


https://bit.ly/3rnH698

 

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THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS EVERYONE
February 01, 2022
“And when (the Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.” – John 16:8
Yesterday, we focused on how the Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their sins and the need to get right with God. Remember, this isn’t done out of God’s desire to judge and condemn, but out of His great love for each of us.

(Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

But what I find the most amazing is that the Holy Spirit convicts everyone, even those who are not believers.

Really? Did you know that?

You might be a faith-skeptic or even completely disinterested in all things God; yet, the Holy Spirit has somehow led you to this particular daily devotional.

In John 16:8, today’s Scripture reference, it states the Holy Spirit will convict the world.

That means all of us, my friend.

For some of us, the moment we discover the overwhelming power of God’s love through Jesus Christ our hearts are awakened to the need to surrender all to God. And when it occurs, it’s the most important decision in a person’s life.

Why?

Because it’s a decision to choose God’s way rather than our own way.

The Holy Spirit may convict us and draw us in, but it’s ultimately a personal decision we each must make, whether or not to give our lives to God through the person of Jesus Christ. And when we do, the Holy Spirit will dwell within each of us, giving us this inner desire to walk in obedience to God’s will.

It all comes back to God’s love. God first loved us through Jesus Christ and because of that love, He offers us a way to walk in forgiveness and obedience with His will. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that we never walk this faith journey alone.

So, what about you?

Have you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

Have you responded to the incredible gift of love God offers?

 

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WHY SPEND TIME IN PRAYER?
February 02, 2022
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
Have you ever made this statement? I just don’t have time to pray!

I have a question:

If you don’t have time to pray, how will you ever truly know the Father and His will for you each day?

Even Jesus modeled spending time with God by regularly setting aside time to pray.

Now, Jesus is God, so why would God (Jesus) pray to God (the Father)? I can’t fully explain the mystery of the three in one relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – but I can tell you that Jesus’ ultimate goal throughout His ministry on earth was walking 100% in His Father’s will. This meant staying close to His Father and prioritizing His time with God (the Father) over everything else. Before work, ministry, friends and even family – His Father always came first.

If Jesus prioritized time with His Father, then so should His followers. Our ultimate desire in life should be staying close to our Heavenly Father through prayer and reading His Word in order to fulfill His will. It’s about saying, “No matter what my schedule looks like or what pressures I’m facing, my number one purpose in life is my relationship with God. Everything else comes second.”

When we choose to put God first, we choose to spend time with Him. We won’t worry about checking off a list of rules, rather building our relationship with the One True God by spending time alone with Him.

Jesus did.

Shouldn’t you?

 

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February 4
The Wonder of Creation
Bible in a Year:

• Exodus 34–35
• Matthew 22:23–46

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.”

Genesis 1:11
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 1:9–13
While Tim was hiking on Root Glacier in Alaska, he came across something he’d not seen before. Though Tim studies glaciers professionally, the vast number of small balls of moss were completely unfamiliar to him. After tracking the bright green balls for many years, Tim and his colleagues discovered that, unlike moss on trees, the “glacier mice” are unattached and—even more surprisingly—move in unison, like a herd or flock. At first, Tim and his colleagues suspected they were blown by the wind or were rolling downhill, but their research ruled out those guesses.
They haven’t yet discovered exactly how the moss balls move. Such mysteries highlight God’s creativity. In His work of creation, God appointed the land to “produce vegetation” in the form of plants and trees (Genesis 1:11). His design included glacier mice too, though most of us won’t see them firsthand unless we visit a glacier that provides a suitable environment for them.
Glacier mice have been charming scientists with their fuzzy green presence since their discovery in the 1950s. When God observed the vegetation He’d created, He declared “that it was good” (v. 12). We’re surrounded by God’s botanical designs, each demonstrating His creative powers and inviting us to worship Him. We can delight in each of the trees and plants He’s made—for they are good!
By: Kirsten Holmberg
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Reflect & Pray
When has something in God’s creation brought you joy? What aspect of His creative work most prompts you to worship?
Thank You, God, for the wonder of Your creation and the privilege to learn about You through it.

 

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A PHRASE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
February 06, 2022
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… Philippians 1:29
Several weeks ago, I had a wonderfully hopeful conversation with an older saint who has known and continues to know, significant difficulty and suffering in her life. There was one phrase she used that was incredibly powerful. A phrase that can change, if we take it in faith, the manner in which we move through seasons of difficulty in life. Here’s what she said:

“God has trusted me with this.”

Consider, for a moment, some of the other phrases we might use during a prolonged time of sickness, trouble, anxiety, or suffering:

• Why is God allowing this to happen?
• What am I supposed to do now?
• When will it be over?

I’m sure you could add your own statements to the list. And each phrase is a valid expression of our feelings at a given moment. No doubt, they can and should be expressed to the Lord. At the same time, the phrase she has chosen to adopt reflects a different and more mature way to look at things.

Hers is a statement of stewardship. A stewardship of experience.

We often think of stewardship in terms of money. And that’s not wrong – surely the Bible teaches that we have been financially entrusted with funds, and it’s our job to manage them well for the sake of the kingdom of God. (Philippians 1:29)

But this kind of stewardship is bigger than that. We are all stewards of experience. Both good and bad; comfortable and difficult.

The word “granted” seems like the wrong word, doesn’t it? Because “granted” seems to indicate a kind of privilege. That puts a whole new spin on difficulty because from this verse, it sounds as if in Paul’s mind, suffering is something that is entrusted to us.

You see, God “grants” us circumstances in our lives. We are to learn from them, mature from them, and use them to comfort those in similar circumstances. With this in mind, we might do well to consider:

“Why has God entrusted this experience to me?”

Or this financial difficulty?

Or this cancer?

Or this difficult relationship?

Or fill in the blank _____________?

These aren’t just questions, my friends. In asking God, they become statements that recognize both the love and the sovereignty of God in our circumstances. Statements of faith in a God who is beyond what is visible and experiential – of confidence in a God who has already proven His love for us at the cross of Jesus.

What about you? Can you make these statements of faith?

Would you like to?


Written by Michael Kelley, Guest Contributor

To read more of Michael’s writing, check out his daily blog, Forward Progress http://michaelkelley.co/

 

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FAITH AND FEAR DO NOT MIX
February 08, 2022
“But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” – Proverbs 1:33
Fear is real, but God is bigger.

Fear zeros in on the problem, while faith keeps it in perspective.

Now, faith does NOT mean blindly running into danger or ignoring common sense. But it does mean turning to God every time fear begins to creep in. It means choosing courage rather than fear.

So, what is courage?

Courage is strength in the face of fear.

In other words, to really develop courage, you first have to know fear. The great violinist, Isaac Stern, once observed an incredibly talented nine-year-old violinist. While clearly talented, Stern made the remark that, “You can’t really tell how an artist will be until the teen years, for that is when fear comes in. Then and only then can you see if the person has courage. You can’t learn courage until you know fear.”

Fear can paralyze us. Courage frees us to live life to the fullest.

Jesus epitomized courageous faith as He boldly walked God’s will – even to the cross. However, He knew very well the power fear could have on our lives and often reminded the disciples to cling to faith, not fear. One example of this is found in Matthew chapter 14. The disciples found themselves caught in a terrible storm, fearing for their lives. Suddenly, out of nowhere, they see Jesus walking out to them on the water. “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 14:27), Jesus said – speaking right into their fear.

The comfort for Jesus-followers in this story is this: Finding courage in the face of fear comes through putting our faith in Jesus Christ.

Fear and faith do not mix – they’re like oil and water. When faith kicks in, fear moves out. However, when faith disappears, fear rushes in like a tidal wave. The key to finding the courage to overcome fear is faith.

Are you struggling with fear? Maybe it’s fear of economic or political uncertainty. Perhaps it’s the current coronavirus crisis or other health concerns. You could simply be struggling with the unknown future. Thankfully, no matter the panic, no matter the problem, and no matter the uncertainty, God remains in control.

If you’re battling fear right now, take the time to pour out your heart to God in prayer. Then spend time meditating on who God is, what He’s done, and remind yourself of His promises found in Scripture:

• God is GOOD – even when people, circumstances, and events are not.
  • Nahum 1:7, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 34:8, Jeremiah 29:11
• God is POWERFUL – bigger than the biggest crisis, threat, or uncertainty.
  • Psalm 56:3, 2 Samuel 22:33, Matthew 19:26, Luke 6:19, Psalm 147:4-5
• God is NEAR – even when He feels far.
  • Psalm 34:17-18, Psalm 145:18, Hebrews 1:3, Joshua 1:9, Zephaniah 3:17
• God is in CONTROL – even when life appears to be spinning out of control.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 105:4-6, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 16:9, John 14:27

Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

 

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February 9
Mortality and Humility
Bible in a Year:

• Leviticus 6–7
• Matthew 25:1–30

What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
James 4:7–17
Ancient scholars Jerome and Tertullian referenced stories of how in ancient Rome, after a general triumphed in an epic victory, he would be paraded atop a gleaming chariot down the capital’s central thoroughfares from dawn to sunset. The crowd would roar. The general would bask in the adoration, reveling in the greatest honor of his life. However, legend has it that a servant stood behind the general the entire day, whispering into his ear, Memento mori (“Remember you will die”). Amid all the adulation, the general desperately needed the humility that came with remembering that he was mortal.
James wrote to a community infected with prideful desires and an inflated sense of self-sufficiency. Confronting their arrogance, he spoke a piercing word: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). What they needed was to “humble [themselves] before the Lord” (v. 10). And how would they embrace this humility? Like Roman generals, they needed to remember that they would die. “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow,” James insisted. “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (v. 14). And owning their frailty freed them to live under the solidity of the “Lord’s will” rather than their own fading efforts (v. 15).
When we forget that our days are numbered, it can lead to pride. But when we’re humbled by our mortality, we see every breath and every moment as grace. Memento mori.
By: Winn Collier
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What does this story of the Roman generals and the phrase Memento mori say to you? Why do you need to remember your mortality?
God, I like to think that my life is in my control. I sometimes act as though I’ll live forever. Humble me. Help me find life only in You.

 

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February 10
His Amazing Help
Bible in a Year:

• Leviticus 8–10
• Matthew 25:31–46

[God] spreads the snow like wool.

Psalm 147:16
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 147:8–17
The sheriff marveled at the prayers, estimating “hundreds of thousands or maybe millions of prayers” were lifted to God for help as the East Troublesome Fire raged through the mountains of Colorado in the fall of 2020. Living up to its name, the blaze consumed 100,000 acres in twelve hours, roaring through tinder-dry forests, burning three hundred homes to the ground, and threatening entire towns in its path. Then came “the Godsend,” as one meteorologist called it. No, not rain. A timely snowfall. It fell across the fire zone, arriving early for that time of year—dropping up to a foot or more of wet snow—slowing the fire and, in some places, stopping it.
Such merciful help seemed too amazing to explain. Does God hear our prayers for snow? And rain too? The Bible records His many answers, including after Elijah’s hope for rain (1 Kings 18:41–46). A servant of great faith, Elijah understood God’s sovereignty, including over the weather. As Psalm 147 says of God, “He supplies the earth with rain” (v. 8). “He spreads the snow like wool . . . . Who can withstand his icy blast?” (vv. 16–17).
Elijah could hear “the sound of a heavy rain” before clouds even formed (1 Kings 18:41). Is our faith in His power that strong? God invites our trust, no matter His answer. We can look to Him for His amazing help.
By: Patricia Raybon
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Reflect & Pray
What amazing help have you seen God bring in a dire situation? How does His help encourage your faith?
Amazing God, I bow at Your feet, humbled by Your merciful help whenever it comes. Thank You for encouraging my faith with Your sovereign power throughout the earth.

 

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A SIMPLE ACT OF OBEDIENCE
February 09, 2022
“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water;’ so they filled them to the brim.” John 2:7
There is something beautiful about a simple act of obedience.

When I ask my kids to do something and they do it without arguing–without procrastinating–without asking a zillion questions, I feel like running through the halls of my house shouting, “Hallelujah!”

And I believe our Heavenly Father desires the same kind of obedience from us.

He asks. We do.

He commands. We comply.

This is the beauty of simple obedience.

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes respond to Him with childish immaturity instead.

I’ve read the story of Jesus changing water into wine a thousand times, but I’d never noticed the obedience of the servants.

Mary, realizing the wine had run out during the wedding, told the servants, “Do whatever he [Jesus] tells you” (John 2:5).

Keep in mind, the wedding at Cana was Jesus’ very first miracle. Not only did these men not know Jesus, but they had no idea that He would one day walk on ocean waves, feed five thousand men, or raise the dead to life. For all they knew, Jesus was just another guest at the party, not a miracle worker.

But when He told them to “fill the jars with water,” they obeyed.

No questions asked.

No complaining about how long it took to fill “six stone jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons” (John 2:6).

No delay between Jesus’ command and their response.

The servants simply did what Jesus told them to do.

In doing so, they gave us, as ‘modern-day servants’ of the Lord, a beautiful example of obedience.

But following in their footsteps is easier said than done, isn’t it?

For instance, I often want Jesus to explain Himself before I obey. Yet, these men obeyed Him without explanation of why they were “filling the jars with water.” Henry Blackaby explains, “If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it.”

You see, each directive from the Lord presents us with a fundamental choice: to obey or disobey.

We don’t obey out of fear, thinking the Lord will zap us with lightning if we refuse. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey my commands” (John 14:15). Our obedience, on the contrary, is a demonstration of heartfelt love for who Jesus is and what He’s done for us.

So, let me ask:

How is the Lord telling you to “fill the jars” right now? What simple act of obedience is He asking of you?

Much like the servants at Cana, you have no idea what the Lord might accomplish through your obedience. (To be clear, you are not guaranteed a miracle if you obey. But you will miss out on experiencing Lord’s best for your life if you don’t.)

Looking back, I bet the servants at Cana never regretted obeying the voice of Jesus.

And neither will you.


Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH